Abstract
Background. Alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) was found to have a good antiproliferative effect in early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but recombinant alpha-IFN administration may induce serious side effects. Therefore low-dose 'natural' IFN was evaluated in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods. Fifteen patients affected by stage A (according to Binet) B-CLL underwent the treatment: natural IFN 1 MU three times a week for 6 months. Results. Overall lymphocyte count decreased from 13.050 ± 3.200 to 7.500 ± 2.940 within 6 months. One patient did not respond to IFN therapy. No one complained of side effects. Conclusion: Low dose 'natural' alpha-IFN seems useful and well tolerated in CLL, but the potential curative role of IFN in CLL remains to be established.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 413-417 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Haematologica |
Volume | 77 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1992 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hematology